The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) plans for a massive underground
explosion, using 700 tons of ammonium nitrate fuel. While ostensible
purpose of the test is non-nuclear, DoD budget documents indicate
the purpose of the test is to study the effects of a low-yield nuclear
weapon on a deeply buried and hardened target. DoD denies any link
between the test and nuclear weapons. The test, which has been delayed
indefinitely pending a reassessment of its environmental impact,
is to take place at the Department of Energy's Nevada Test Site,
which was the location for U.S. underground nuclear explosive tests
conducted throughout the Cold War.

There is a lawsuit brought by the members of the Western Shoshone
people and downwinders to challenge the test on a number of grounds,
including violations of Western Shoshone sovereignty, violations
of the Treaty of Ruby Valley, and violations of the National Environmental
Policy Act. The Lawyers' Committee on Nuclear Policy does not represent
any of the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs have filed a declaration of
John Burroughs, LCNP executive director, concerning the requirements
of international law bearing on the Divine Strake test.